Racial disparities persist in stroke care

ST. LOUIS, MO (ST. LOUIS PUBLIC RADIO) - A new analysis suggests racial and ethnic minorities are not getting equal treatment when it comes to strokes.


At the request of the American Heart Association, a group of stroke experts led by Saint Louis University neurologist Dr. Salvador Cruz-Flores examined the scientific literature for racial and ethnic disparities in stroke care.


Cruz-Flores says they found that minorities have more risk factors for stroke, like high blood pressure and diabetes, and are less aware of their health status. They also have less access to healthcare.


“There are some studies actually that may allude to possibility of perceived or true presence of even of bias within the system,” Cruz-Flores said.


Cruz-Flores says that among other factors, low income, lack of health insurance, and concern about immigration status may also limit minorities' access to stroke care.


Véronique LaCapra, St. Louis Public Radio

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